Leaked: FIBA’s Secret Plot to Avoid Ice Cube’s Big3 league Embarrassment Exposed by Ice Cube

Ice Cube’s Big3 league, widely regarded as the premier 3-on-3 basketball league in the U.S. and perhaps the world, is no stranger to pushing boundaries. The league, founded by the legendary hip-hop artist and actor, has consistently sought ways to expand its influence, both domestically and globally. Last week, Ice Cube took his ambitions to a new level by challenging the Netherlands, the 2024 Paris Olympics 3-on-3 men’s basketball gold medalists, to an exhibition game during the Big3 Championship Weekend.

The proposed matchup promised to be a clash of the titans, pitting the Olympic champions against what Ice Cube believes are the best 3-on-3 players in the world. However, it seems that the much-anticipated showdown may never happen. On Sunday, Ice Cube revealed the current status of the challenge in an interview, expressing frustration over FIBA’s alleged interference.

“Well, to their credit, they [the Netherlands] accepted the challenge, but it’s FIBA. FIBA is scared of the Big3. So FIBA is preventing them from playing in our All-Star game. So, it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen because of that,” Ice Cube said, via NBACentral.

His statement didn’t hold back on criticizing FIBA, the international governing body of basketball, for what he perceives as political maneuvering to avoid a potentially embarrassing defeat. “You know, it sucks when politicians get in the way of sports and fandom, but we’re going to still have a great All-Star game. Still going to have a great championship. Celebrity game next week. No sweat off our brow,” he added.

The rapper-turned-basketball-mogul’s comments have sparked a wave of debate within the basketball community, with some arguing that FIBA is indeed wary of the Big3’s rising prominence, while others believe the organization is merely upholding its regulations. Regardless of the true motivations behind FIBA’s decision, the controversy has only added to the intrigue surrounding the Big3.

When asked if he would consider taking the Ice Cube’s Big3 league overseas for exhibition games, Ice Cube’s confidence remained unshaken. “We’ll play them anywhere they want to play, any rules they want to play with. We still think we got the best 3-on-3 players in the world. They don’t want none of this Big3 action,” he declared.

Given Team USA’s disappointing group-stage exit in the 2024 Olympics 3-on-3 men’s competition, there is a growing sentiment that the U.S. should start paying more attention to the Ice Cube’s Big3 league. With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon, the Americans may need to leverage the experience and talent from Ice Cube’s league if they hope to secure a medal in the event.

But the controversy doesn’t end there. In a bold move, Ice Cube recently extended a lucrative offer to WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark, hoping to lure her away from the traditional 5-on-5 game to the Big3. Clark, who became the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer before being drafted first overall by the Indiana Fever in 2024, was reportedly offered a staggering $5 million deal in March. Ice Cube confirmed the offer on social media, via ESPN.

“We intended the offer to remain private while Caitlin Clark plays for the championship. But I won’t deny what’s now already out there: BIG3 made a historic offer to Caitlin Clark. Why wouldn’t we? Caitlin is a generational athlete who can achieve tremendous success in the BIG3,” Ice Cube stated.

He further elaborated on the potential impact of Clark joining the Big3, drawing comparisons to the groundbreaking success of Nancy Lieberman and Lisa Leslie, who both led Big3 teams to championships as head coaches. “The skeptics laughed when we made Nancy Lieberman the first female coach of a men’s pro team, and she won the championship in her first year. Then Lisa Leslie won it all in year two. With our offer, Caitlin Clark can make history and break down even more barriers for women athletes,” he added.

While Clark ultimately chose to remain in the WNBA, Ice Cube’s offer highlights the Big3’s growing ambition to challenge the status quo in professional basketball. Had she accepted, Clark would have earned far more than the $338,056 over four years that her WNBA rookie contract offers, sparking a larger conversation about the financial disparities between the leagues.